A flag is flown at half-staff when a public authority orders or directs the display as a sign of mourning, remembrance, or national observance.
In the United States, the president can direct federal half-staff observances. Governors can issue orders for their states, and some local officials may direct displays for local government property. The exact authority and scope depend on the order.
Orders often honor fallen service members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, elected officials, former public servants, victims of tragedies, or annual national observances. Some orders apply statewide, while others apply only to certain buildings, counties, or agencies.
The timing is set by the official notice. Some orders run from sunrise to sunset on one day. Others begin immediately and continue through a funeral, interment, or fixed end date. Memorial Day is a special case: the U.S. flag is traditionally half-staff until noon, then raised to full-staff.
Start with your location. A federal order generally applies across the country. A state order may apply to the state flag, state buildings, public grounds, or all flags in the state depending on the wording. Mast links to source notices so you can read the official language.
Mast combines current federal and state notices into a location-aware status. Use the homepage to select your state, then review the source link for the details that matter to your flag display.